MADINAH: Saudi Oger defeated Sadafco by 26 runs in the final of the MCA (Madinah Cricket Association) tournament to mark the 62nd Pakistan Independence Day celebrations.
Pakistan Ambassador Shahid Karimullah was the chief guest during the prize distribution ceremony. Consul Welfare Shaukat Ali of the Pakistan Consulate Jeddah accompanied him. Arab News columnist Tariq Al-Maeena, former JCL officials Iqbal Chaudhri and Akhtar, and Dr. Khalil Ur-Rahman of Pakistan Welfare Association also attended the ceremony witnessed by a large gathering of Pakistani community members. A special seating arrangement was prepared to allow a good number of ladies to attend the function.
Opting to bat first, Saudi Oger reached a respectable total of 243 runs in 30 overs. Openers Madani and Abdul Rahman each scored 49 runs. Azher added 33 runs while his sibling Rashid had 30. Iftikhar and Waqas each claimed three wickets.
Sadafco, in reply, failed to reach the target despite a swashbuckling innings by their captain Ijaz who scored a fine century of 111 runs. His efforts went to naught as Sadafco was out for 217 runs with three overs to spare. Iajaz studded his innings with four huge sixes and eight boundaries. He was adjudged Man of the Match. Khalid and Ikram were the most successful bowlers with three wickets each. Ghulam Qadir, Nakyana and Qaiser of Qasre Shireen officiated the final. The final was followed by the awards ceremony at Al-Aqool Cricket Ground. The chief guest, on his arrival at the ground, was given a warm welcome by a group of children. He was presented a bouquet of flowers. The ambassador, flanked by the children, hoisted the Pakistani flag to the strains of the national anthem.
Earlier, Zahid Ali, the president of MCA, welcomed the guests and briefed the gathering about the occasion. He appreciated the organizing committee members including Qadir Nakyana, Fayyaz Chauhan, Mohammed Fayyaz, Tanveer Ahmed and Azher headed by Amanat Ali, the joint secretary of the MCA, for their efforts that contributed to the success of the event. The ambassador was elated by the presence of a huge audience mostly from the Pakistani community and praised the arrangements made to celebrate the Independence Day. He also presented Ambassador Cup to the president of MCA in recognition of his services to promote the game of cricket in the Kingdom. Ambassador Karimullah presented the awards for the best players of each team, captains, and Man of the Match. He also distributed the trophies for the champion and runner-up teams. A cake-cutting ceremony was held toward the end of the event. Hashmat Qazi, vice-president of MCA, delivered the closing remarks.
